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Members of Parliament frequently perform their legislative duties by passing bills, examining statutory instruments, and deciding whether to annul them or let them take effect over time.
However, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, an MP, goes beyond these duties by exposing governmental corruption, demanding accountability, and ensuring contracts signed without proper oversight are terminated.
This proactive stance has endeared him to many Ghanaians, who see his exposés—such as the National Cathedral Scandal, the Bank of Ghana Head Office controversy, the All African Games expenditure, and the SSNIT hotel sales—as crucial steps to protect public funds.
When the Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023 affected people in Mepe, Adidome, Sogakope, and surrounding areas, Okudzeto, the MP for North Tongu, one of the hardest-hit regions, took a strong stand to demand justice for the victims.
Recently, he made headlines for opposing the sale of four SSNIT-owned hotels.
The hotels in question are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.
Continuing this campaign, in June, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led a protest called “Hands Off Our Hotels” to pressure the government to halt the sale of SSNIT’s 60 percent stakes in these prominent hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Ablakwa also voiced concerns about the sale process, highlighting conflicts of interest, procurement violations, and the lack of due process.
He later submitted a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) requesting an investigation, with the goal of stopping the sale and highlighting what he calls “state capture.”
On Friday, July 12, 2024, Organized Labour went on an indefinite strike after the National Pensions Regulatory Authority announced its approval for SSNIT to sell 60% of its shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.
In response to the uproar, Rock City Hotel issued a statement on July 12, declaring its withdrawal from the purchase of the SSNIT hotels.
The Board and Management of SSNIT soon followed with an announcement of their own, declaring the termination of the sale process for 60% of their hotel shares.
The same day, SSNIT released a statement reaffirming its commitment to managing the Trust’s affairs responsibly and ensuring the continued stability of the pension scheme for all contributors and retirees.
In the wake of these developments, many Ghanaians have turned to social media to commend Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his efforts to prevent the sale of the SSNIT hotels.
He has been hailed as a genuine statesman, with some calling his integrity and actions worthy of emulation.
“Thank you for being a true representative of the people. You have demonstrated what it means to be an MP and the reason why the Constitution grants you privileges as an MP. If only your colleagues could emulate your example, Ghana would have truly been a better place,” one of the tweeps wrote.
Another one said, “275 MPs in Ghana’s Parliament…! If only we had at least 100 of them having the posture of @S_OkudzetoAblak. Just look at his posture during the Dam Spillage and his constant anti-corruption persistence on accountability. National Cathedral, SSNIT Hotels etc!
Amazing!”
One other online user also wrote that, “@S_OkudzetoAblak we love you. You are a true statesman worth emulating. God bless you and curse @NAkufoAddo.”
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, has hailed the cancellation of the deal as a significant triumph for all Ghanaians.
He pledged to continue the fight against state capture.
However, Ablakwa urged the government to dismiss those responsible for the failed sale of the SSNIT hotels, citing their failure to safeguard the interests of Ghanaian workers.
Source: tigpost.com
